January 26th 2024.
The BOSS Network, an online community dedicated to supporting and empowering Black women in business, is excited to announce the launch of two new programs in celebration of their 15th anniversary. These programs are designed to provide resources, funding, and mentorship opportunities for Black women entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on those in Atlanta.
Since its inception in 2009, The BOSS Network has been committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by Black women founders. According to their website, less than 1% of minority founders receive investment funding for their small businesses. Despite this statistic, The BOSS Network has grown to include over 200,000 members and has invested in 65 Black women founders through their premier program, The BOSS Impact Fund.
"When I started The BOSS Network 15 years ago, my goal was to support and equip Black women entrepreneurs to achieve success in business," said founder Dr. Cameka Smith. "Now, with Atlanta being a hub for Black business, we are thrilled to partner with Sage and Swoop on our new programs, which will not only provide resources but also empower Black women to take their businesses to the next level."
The first program, The BOSS Impact Fund, was launched three years ago and has now been revitalized through a partnership with Sage Foundation. This program offers grants and access to a 1-year mentorship program for Black women entrepreneurs. Applications for the 2024 Invest in Progress grant are currently open, with 25 grants available to Black women founders across the U.S. and seven specifically for Atlanta-based business owners. In addition to the $10,000 business grants, recipients will also receive training, networking, and mentorship opportunities through The BOSS Network.
The second program, Pathways to Success, was developed and delivered through a partnership with Sage Foundation and Swoop, a global fintech company. This program aims to address the most significant challenges faced by Black women founders in Atlanta, including access to funding and mentorship and the ability to digitally scale their businesses. 150 Atlanta-based Black women entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to participate in training and roundtables, receive tactical advice to overcome financial challenges, and gain one year of training access and a three-year membership to The BOSS Network.
Interested applicants can apply for both programs through their respective websites, with deadlines for submission in February. The BOSS Network continues to make a significant impact in the Black business community, and these new programs are just another example of their dedication to supporting and empowering Black women entrepreneurs.
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